What started with a brave soul running through peak hour traffic in a speedo to raise awareness about cancer twelve years ago has since become a nationwide phenomenon.
The first-ever Covid-edition national Hollard Daredevil Run 2021 took place across the country on Friday, 15 October.
The event, which raises funds for prostate and testicular cancer awareness and screening, saw runners participating countrywide, with men and boys in Potchefstroom and Rustenburg doing the province proud and bravely showing off their inner daredevil.
Photos: Tian du Preez
It was apt that the North-West University also competed in this race, donning the same purple colours for which they are known. NWU athletes from various sporting codes participated in the event – a five-kilometre run, starting and finishing at NWU’s Sports Village.
Numerous other Potch locals also showed their purple colours for a good cause. “This is a run with a difference that makes a difference.
“The Hollard Daredevil Run has been a highlight on the South African social calendar since 2009. It attracts thousands of brave men from all walks of life to do their part to raise awareness about male cancers,” said Heidi Brauer, the chief marketing officer of Hollard.
Social media was abuzz with images of other daredevils taking part in the province, some running as part of other high school teams, others representing sports clubs. The bravest of them all were those running alone in their neighbourhoods.
“At Hollard, we like to do things differently; to be bold, brave and ballsy. Stripping down to nothing but a speedo is not only challenging for runners but also challenges stereotypes about male cancers. It takes courage to strip down to a speedo and run in public – but that’s the whole idea,” Brauer says.
“The Hollard Daredevil Run challenges South African men to confront male cancers head-on by showing that they’re not afraid to run in a speedo, not afraid to talk about cancer and not afraid to get checked.”
All proceeds from the annual Hollard Daredevil Run go to the Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa) and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of South Africa, promoting awareness and screening of prostate and testicular cancer. Prostate cancer is the most common male cancer and is on the increase.
According to global research, one in every six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their life- time, with the risk of prostate cancer increasing with age. Early diagnosis can mean a 95 per cent chance of being cured.
